[Si Coe]

Actually its a perfect analogy for a simple reason - it shifted the burden of development to the aftermarket.
RC used to be like that once, and may well be again. Once upon a time we all ran the 1 or 2 cars available, but you could buy say improved wishbones from 100's of different people.
If everyone drives competant Chinese Durango clones and all big innovations are copied and cloned days after appearing to that extent its not worth doing, people might well stop designing whole cars. But they could to a roaring trade in improved shock towers, or stronger wishbones etc.
This already happens in 1/5th. Some HPI Baja clones are as good as the real deal, but this has only boosted the sales of aftermarket parts for Baja's. The cloners are squeezing HPI, but are helping the small parts industry.
Innovation lives on, just from a new source. Remember we are racers, we always want a better car than the other guy. Where that edge comes from (stock or aftermarket) is not important.